Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card
Advertisement
Top travel rewards, flexibility, and no foreign fees.
By: rendademae
Earn 5× Points on Travel and Dining
Earn 5× points on travel booked through Chase Travel and 3× points on dining and select streaming/online groceries.
1:1 Point Transfers to Travel Partners
Transfer points 1:1 to leading airline and hotel partners for elevated redemption value.
Comprehensive Travel Protections
Built-in travel protections including primary rental car coverage, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, and baggage delay reimbursement.
No Foreign Fees + $50 Hotel Credit
No foreign transaction fees and an annual hotel statement credit of up to $50 when booked via Chase’s portal.
About the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card is positioned as a versatile travel and rewards card with an annual fee of $95, offering a mix of robust points-earning opportunities and valuable travel benefits. For starters, cardholders earn 5x Ultimate Rewards® points on travel booked through the Chase Travel portal, 3x points on dining and select online grocery purchases and streaming services, 2x points on other travel purchases, and 1x on all other eligible purchases. Beyond earning, the redemption options are flexible: you can use points for travel via Chase Travel, take advantage of the 1:1 transfer to airline and hotel partners, or redeem for statement credits or merchandise. The transfer capability in particular is a standout, as it unlocks elevated value when matched with travel partners. Travel protections are another strong aspect: the card includes primary auto rental collision damage waiver (CDW) for most rentals, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay coverage, and lost luggage reimbursement.
-
Is there a fee to have the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card?
Yes, the card carries an annual fee of $95 in the United States.
-
What credit score do I need to qualify for the card?
Approval typically requires good to excellent credit (FICO score of approximately 700 or higher). Also note, Chase often applies its 5/24 rule — if you’ve opened five or more credit cards in the past 24 months, approval odds may be lower.
-
How do the reward points work with travel bookings?
You earn points on everyday purchases (with higher multipliers in select categories), and those points can be redeemed in multiple ways: travel via the Chase Travel portal, statement credits, gift cards, or transferred at 1:1 value to participating airline/hotel partners — which often yields higher value.
-
Are there foreign transaction fees when using the card abroad?
No — the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card does not charge foreign transaction fees on purchases made outside the United States.
-
Can I add authorized users and what benefits do they get?
Yes, you can add authorized users to your account, typically without an additional fee. Authorized users will share many of the same point-earning capabilities and benefits (though some protections may only apply to the primary cardholder). Always check current terms for any changes.
How to Apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card
Applying for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Credit Card is a straightforward online process. First, visit the issuer’s website (Chase.com) or use the Chase mobile app. You’ll need to log in to your existing Chase account or create a new one if you’re not already a customer. From there, navigate to the “Credit Cards” section and select the Sapphire Preferred® card. Next, fill in the application form: provide your personal details (name, address, Social Security number, date of birth), employment and income information, housing payment details, and any additional requested data. Because the card is designed for those with good to excellent credit, make sure your credit profile is strong and that you haven’t applied for many other cards recently (Chase generally enforces its “5/24” rule). Once your application is submitted, you may receive an instant decision. If approved, your card will be mailed to you and you may receive a virtual card number to begin using right away. Make sure to activate the card via the app or phone once you receive it. Then you can set up direct deposits, link payment accounts, and begin using the card for purchases to meet any welcome bonus requirements. Before applying, review the terms: there’s a $95 annual fee, foreign transaction fees are none, rewards categories and redemption options are clearly outlined. Also check if you’ve previously held the card or any related Sapphire product, as welcome-bonus eligibility may depend on your account history. Applying responsibly and maximizing early spend (while staying within budget) can help you unlock the full value of the card.